Delta Airlines receives Patriot Award

Award given for outstanding support of Reserve employee

The Washington Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve, an agency of the Department of Defense, presented Aug. 30 the Patriot Award to Gene Raisanen, operations manager for Delta Air Lines Cargo Operations in Seattle, in recognition of extraordinary support of an employee who serves in the United States Air Force Reserve.

According to Larry Kirchner, ESGR King County Chair, "The Patriot Award was created by ESGR to publicly recognize individuals and firms who provide outstanding patriotic support and cooperation to their employees, who like the citizen warriors before them, have answered their nation's call to serve.

"Mr. Raisanen was nominated for being highly supportive of the United States Air Force Reserve by Master Sergeant Patrick Haley, a member of the 446th Civil Engineer Squadron at Joint Base Lewis-McChord. Supportive supervisors are critical to maintaining the strength and readiness of the nation's National Guard and Reserve units," Kirchner said.

As the 1.3 million members of the National Guard and Reserve continue to perform an increasing number of unique missions with America's borders and beyond, ESGR prides itself on continuing to be the resource for the employers of citizen warriors. ESGR provides education, consultation, and if necessary, mediation for employers of Guard and Reserve employees.

It develops and promotes employer support for Guard and Reserve service by advocating relevant initiatives, recognizing outstanding support, increasing awareness of applicable laws and resolving conflict between employers and Servicemembers.

Photo caption: Lt. Col. Christopher Buzo, Gary Raisanen and Master Sgt. Patrick Haley are all smiles after the Washington Employer Support for Guard and Reserve committee presented the Patriot Award to Raisanen, an operations manager for Delta Air Lines cargo operations. Haley, who nominated Raisanen for the award, is assigned to the 446th Civil Engineer Squadron at McChord Field. Buzo is the 446th CES commander.